Relying On Undiscovered Technology To Reach Zero Emissions?
I was bemused by the interview in May of US Climate Envoy, John Kerry and his statement pining the hopes on addressing climate on future technology that doesn’t currently exist.
John Kerry: US climate envoy criticised for optimism on clean tech – BBC News “I’m told by scientists that 50% of the reductions we have to make (to get to near zero emissions) by 2050 or 2045 are going to come from technologies we don’t yet have.”
If scientists did say such a thing to Mr Kerry, then the double-edged sword is that it both erodes confidence in the politicians that repeat such nonsense, and undermines the scientists that would choose to give politicians legitimate and fact-based advice.
John Kerry isn’t some hack, but a senior US political figure (with a major in Political Science from Yale) – so all the more concerning that his solution for climate change is based more on faith than actual fact and solid science.
Are politicians so disconnected from reality; or does this say more about the (apparent) scientists advising them? I would be curious as to which credible scientists did or would make such a statement that “as yet undiscovered technology” is the solution to the environmental problem we face today? The word “problem” doesn’t’ quite describe the gravity of what we face right now, and the urgent need for action with the technology and science available to us today. Surely with 42.35% of statistics completely made up, this leaves less than 8% of the technologies we need?! Does it not??? Could John Kerry not use those numbers next time he addresses the international media? The question back to John Kerry would be to ask if such “technology” also accounts for any and all unforeseen environmental changes?
Given we are pushing the planet into a climate not previously seen during our time on the planet; then how sure can we be as to how this complex, biologically active sphere will react in the future? One of the biggest variables in the climate model is us, the very species doing so much damage to the planet. We have seen in recent times that whilst the Covid pandemic has reduced to hydrocarbons we burn; it has also greatly increased the single-use plastics we discard.
If political leaders spout such nonsense as has John Kerry, then it shows both the failure of politics and why some people look to guidance from pseudoscience and those who shout it on social media. Opposite to this is former Engineering Student Boyan Slat – CEO of The Ocean Clean up and his mission to clean up the ocean of plastic. Here are engineering principles, science and application of both in an effort to make a difference to the climate we all live in (How to rid the oceans of plastic – BBC News). Here is “action with the technology and science available to us today” rather than having faith is a future “something” that may never actually exist. Clearly the latter gets less media focus than the former. Perhaps Mr. Kerry might want to consider taking advice from Mr. Slat and the technology he currently has at his disposal?
Photo credited: The Ocean Cleanup
Never more than ever do we need to re-focus upon plastics and the waste we generate since the explosion of single use plastics since the Covid pandemic hit. It disgusts me greatly to see so many disposable masks thrown on the ground in our streets; much of which ends up in storm water draining and thus rivers and our oceans. One of the legacies of this Covid Pandemic will be the masses of plastics and single-use items we have discarded into our oceans. I would ask all to please consider how and where you dispose of your PPE – and to look for multi-use options wherever and whenever practicable.
